Welcome to a delightful twist on a breakfast classic: Crispy Baked Pancakes. Unlike their traditionally fried counterparts, these pancakes are baked, offering a unique texture that’s both crispy and fluffy. This recipe draws inspiration from the German oven pancake, but simplifies the process, making it accessible for any home cook. Originating from a blend of techniques, these pancakes perfectly marry convenience with deliciousness.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Granulated sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Baking powder: 2 teaspoons
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Milk: 1 1/2 cups
- Eggs: 2 large
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Butter: 4 tablespoons, melted
- Optional toppings: Maple syrup, fresh berries, or whipped cream
Instructions
Preparing the Batter
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is crucial for achieving that desirable crispy edge.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract together. Gradually incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until the mixture is just combined. Then, stir in the melted butter. Avoid over-mixing to ensure the pancakes remain fluffy.
Baking the Pancakes
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Generously butter a large sheet pan or use parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Pour the Batter: Spread the batter evenly across the prepared sheet pan. The thin layer will help the edges become perfectly crispy.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden and crispy.
Tips and Variations
- Keeping Them Crispy: To keep your pancakes crispy, serve them immediately after baking. If you need to store them, reheat in the oven to crisp up.
- Substitutions: For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend.
- Add-Ins: Feel free to add chocolate chips, blueberries, or sliced bananas to the batter before baking for added flavor.
- Sheet Pan Pancakes from Mix: For an even quicker breakfast, use a store-bought pancake mix. Prepare according to package instructions, spread on a sheet pan, and bake.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 275
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 7g
Crispy Baked Pancakes are a fantastic way to enjoy a beloved breakfast with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. They are perfect for busy mornings or when you want to impress your guests without standing over the stove. Try this recipe today and see why the oven might just be your new favorite way to cook pancakes.